Washington Slide Damages Homes; Closes Ski Areas

It's described as a "massive avalanche of dirt, snow, and trees" in news reports. A 100-foot-wide slide slammed debris into at least eight slopeside homes, took out power lines, and reportedly a ski lift at the Summit East ski area in Hyak, Washington. There were no reports of serious injuries. OnTheSnow.com could not connect by phone to the resort earlier this morning.

The slide occurred late Wednesday morning (Jan. 7), virtually in front of the state Department of Transportation's Hyak maintenance facility. A shop owner told The Seattle Times that at least two-thirds of the small ski area's face slide down the mountain.